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MG MGA - Stub Stack Installation and Performance

Now that Steve Ash's stub stacks are well into the despatch and delivery phase I thought that I would open up this new thread for you to pass comments on their installation and performance.

It all started with my home made prototype and seat of the pants performance assessment. Neil McGirk then completed a successful rolling road analysis. Finally, Steve Ash found a manufacturer at a very reasonable cost.

It is now down to you all to tell us how you find them. I for one would be very interested in your comments.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Steve and I fitted the 'stub stacks' supplied and posted by Steve Ash. Took us about 30 minutes, very easy and no special equipment needed. As I have described in another post (air filters) we gave them an initial test with a fast 80 mile each way run in open country. We have noted a substantial improvement in performance. Marked throttle response, easy revving, no hesitation on acceleration and, as we richened the mixture one and a half flats, no more pop-pop-popping on overrun.

A very satisfactory result, and at very little cost.

I am mindful of all the development work that went into these stacks and very grateful. Thanks fellers!

Barry.
Barry Gannon

I fitted the stub stacks last week which took me only half an hour. The fit was perfect. I then took the A for a long drive and it surely runs better than before.

Rutger
Rutger Booy

Although not really necessary I spent about 30 minutes with the Dremel & metal polish on the upper surfaces of the stacks to produce a very nice deep shine. It’s a shame that once fitted they will not be seen.

I decided to remove the complete air filter assembly from the carbs, this allowed me to get a good view of how well these stubs fit. The machine recess at the bottom of the stubs was more than adequate to accommodate the securing of the standoff to bottom filter plate.

Now I had to decide on what fixing adhesive that I should use. The stubs were such a snug fit that it did cross my mind to not bother........ I wonder what effect this would have had when the stubs start to resonate on the filter base plate? Almost decided on the epoxy like Steve G used, but in the end I used Locktite 5910. I applied a thin even bead of this high performance sealant around all surrounding areas of the stubs, pressed them into place & then removed any excess .......... such a good fit! I refitted the base plate, K & N’s & reluctantly the top plate – job done in 1 hour.

Weather was rubbish & had busy week at work so first trial run would have to wait.

One week later & the weather has improved, time to take the car on a test run. One pull on the starter & my 1622 roared into life.

I have recently fitted a TT stainless steel straight through exhaust, this together with my K & N’s & just fitted (polished) stubs it is probably equivalent to swallowing a whole packet of Extra Strong mints in one go. Throttle response much improved & a definite feeling of more available power. Also my slight burble on engine overrun that I had seems to have gone. – Something I didn’t expect!

This is low cost, non-intrusive & very effective modification that Joe average can do in a very short time to enhance the performance of the engine.

After I’ve clocked up some more miles I need to remove the plugs & check the colour to see if I need to tweak the mixture. Also I need to remove the top cover of the air filter assemblies to check the securing of the stubs & also turn one of the element screens around which I some how managed to put on back to front.

Overall I have been very impressed from start to finish of this thread & thanks must go to all involved.

Richard
R A Evans

I wasn't aware that there was a right & wrong way to fit the elements. Please explain.
Nigel Munford

It’s only for aesthetic reasons.

See Barney’s site here: http://www.mgaguru.com/mgtech/carbs/ac09.htm
& here: http://www.mgaguru.com/mgtech/carbs/ac13.htm

Makes no difference to performance & still can’t see the stubs.

R A Evans

Installed my stub stacks today. New felt rings (two each)and new K&N Air Filters (No. E-3212). Everything fits perfectly into the original Vokes housings.
Went for a little test drive and the car goes very well. I had the feeling there was a little increase in power and there is certainly a improvement in throttle-response. I'm very pleased with this set-up and can only recommend it. Thanks again to everybody involved!


A.M. Kunz

Steve,
I don't suppose there's any chance of obtaining a pair of these stub stacks now? I would imagine they are all spoken for.

Phil
p parmenter

This thread was discussed between 10/03/2012 and 27/03/2012

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.